MORRIS Jr., David J, 90, of Tampa passed away October 15, 2018 surrounded by his loving family following a long battle with lymphoma. He was born on January 4, 1928 in Berwyn, Pennsylvania to David J. Morris Sr. and Alice (Hollywood) Morris. He was predeceased by his sisters June Morris, Gertrude Weiser, Ruth McDonnell, and Cecilia Ulsh. Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Madeline; his children, Deborah Morris and husband John Mocknick; Olney, MD, David J. Morris III and wife Dawn Fried; Tucson, AZ, Kathleen Chitester and husband David; Tampa, FL, Daniel Morris and wife Mary; Tampa, FL and his grandchildren, Andrew Morris, William Morris, Jake Morris, Samantha Martinko and husband Michael, Emily Mocknick, Daniel Morris Jr., Matthew Morris and many nieces and nephews. Dave and Madeline resided in Cherry Hill, NJ for over 30 years where they raised their family and spent several years in Tucson, AZ, until moving permanently to Tampa, FL in 1997, establishing many friendships in the Westchase community. Dave began his career in the commercial construction industry, working on large highway construction projects from Illinois to New Jersey. Always an entrepreneur, he started a successful construction firm, engaged in projects including the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway and later became involved in the marine and maritime industry, serving as President of Camden Ship Repair. While in Tucson, he worked with his son David and daughter-in-law Dawn in building their premier landscape business and also became affiliated with his son-in-law David and daughter Kathleen in their national construction consulting business in Tampa. He was happiest working hard and made substantial contributions to each endeavor. Dave loved plants, and enjoyed spending time in his yard, while socializing with neighbors. He was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed the Tampa Bay Rays. Everyone who knew Dave benefited from his sound guidance and advice, but he will be most remembered for his vitality, compassion, and devotion to his family. He made fast friends everywhere, and loved meeting people in all walks of life. His kind spirit, sense of humor and love of life were an inspiration to many and will be dearly missed. David was a WWII veteran of the United States Navy. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Friday, October 26 at Incarnation Catholic Church, 8220 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa followed
by placement at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater with military honor. The family will receive friends prior to the Mass at 10am at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) or the PAN Foundation (www.panfoundation.org) in Dave’s memory.
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